Adaptagrams is a library of tools and reusable code for adaptive diagramming applications, for example: drawing tools, automated document and diagram layout, smart presentation software, graph drawing, chart layout, etc.

Currently, the Adaptagrams repository includes:

• libvpsc — a solver for the Variable Placement with Separation Constraints problem. This is a quadratic programming problem in which the squared differences between a placement vector and some ideal placement are minimised subject to a set of separation constraints. This is very useful in a number of layout problems.
• libcola — a library for constraint graph layout. Specifically, force-directed layout using the stress-majorization method subject to separation constraints. Applications include layout with non-overlapping nodes and clusters, directed graph layout and layout preserving the crossing properties of a given starting layout.
• libavoid — a cross-platform C++ library providing fast, object-avoiding connector routing for use in interactive diagram editors.

These libraries are collectively known as cola (for Constraint Layout). To check out the C++ source code for cola from the subversion repository, do the following:

svn co https://adaptagrams.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/adaptagrams/trunk/cola

All code in the Adaptagrams repository is released as open source under the terms of the LGPL. Software using the above libraries include: Inkscape, Graphviz and Dunnart.

The Adaptagrams code is written and maintained by Tim Dwyer and Michael Wybrow. A number of papers describing the algorithms used in these libraries are listed here and here.

Examples

You must have an SVG capable browser such as to see the images on this page.

Below is an example showing a biological pathway laid-out using the algorithms in libcola:

Below: network of research collaboration amongst members of the Centre for Research on Intelligent Systems at Monash University: